Still In Indiana: Decatur

It was my brilliant idea to hit some independent bookstores before and after Bouchercon so now I'm at the tail end of this trip.

The Next Page was in Decatur, and as I think I mentioned earlier, I was all gung-ho about scheduling myself at these places before I looked at a map of Indiana. How far could it be? Well, a two hour drive, that's what. But as I've also said before, the prettiest damned two hour drive ever. How I moon over fall leaves and pumpkins on porches. I'm a real sucker for this time of year and you couldn't pick a better spot. Really. These old houses and brick mainstreet storefronts. The small town in all our imaginings.

But before I was to make an appearance in the bookstore, I had agreed to talk to the entire 6th grade class at Bellmont Middle School about Life in the Middle Ages. And I have to say, these Indiana tykes were the most well-behaved I have seen in some time. California kids could take lessons. They asked good questions and were engaged. That's all you can ask for, really.

I spoke a bit about how I got started as a writer and then I talked at length about the Middle Ages, the difference in language, clothing, food, etc. I had my exhibits with me--helm, inflatable flail (zero tolerance; couldn't bring the real article), and something akin to medieval sweets: sesame candy. I signed a lot of bookmarks.

Then I had about three hours to kill before bookstore time, so I found a local restaurant and settled in with my lap top. (Note: St. Elmos Steakhouse in the heart of downtown Indianapolis charged $39 for a steak. The family restaurant in the heart of downtown Decatur charged $13.95. It was just as good. Plus they had great coconut cream pie.)

After dinner, I parked my car further into the heart of things and took a walking tour, snapping shots of the architecture. (The picture to the left is the county seat. Lots of amazing detail on it. Something right out of Disneyland... Isn't that a shame that Disneyland is my only reference?!) I even had an Amish sighting. Three Amish ladies walking down the street (we are nine miles from Ohio. I meant to drive to Ohio just to mark down yet another state I had visited but got sidetracked). I had to go into the library and leave some bookmarks for the librarian. Seems they knew I was going to be a the bookstore and they were mighty miffed that they had to work and miss it.

At around 5:30 I returned to the Next Page and met Liz and Dustan, the nicest and funniest folks. I think that Liz is my lost twin--albeit some thirty years apart, but I had a blast chatting with this would-be musician. (All the best, Liz!) I set up and then got a chance to look around. A great little shop with consignment knick knacks all around. They also have a coffee bar and do sandwiches and such. A cozy space before a fireplace, a small stage for musical entertainment. A perfect little bookstore, really. The kind of place I'd be hanging out. (right, that person moving quickly with her back to us is Liz and Dustin is in the background. They laid out a nice spread that hardly anyone was around to sample.)  

Some kids from the Middle School dragged their parents in (possibly because they wanted to see the real weapons I couldn't bring to their school) but I did, in fact, sell a few books. It was an enjoyable time. Decatur, like much of Indiana, suffers from closed stores from the economy and the intrusion of the likes of Walmart. But it's also one of those places that merely needs someone or a lot of someone's with money to invest in the place. Their main street is crying out for gentrification. Young families take heed. It's a good spot for a starter home. Business people, give it a try. Some upscale shops and restaurants is what is needed. I think it will happen.

Tonight, I will be in Carmel at the famous Mystery Company. (And by the way, I learned that the name of the town is pronounced like the candy, not the seaside resort in California).   

The building in this picture is called "The Modern", where, ironically, the Amish ladies disappeared into.  

Comments

[Indiana Heart]

great blog.